Waarschip 870 (1/2 Ton) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Waarschip 870 entered production in 1971 and continued until 1977, coinciding with the peak of the International Offshore Rule (IOR) Half Ton class racing circuit. Waarschip Werft, founded in 1968, was renowned for its robust plywood construction, offering both finished yachts and comprehensive kits for amateur builders. This approach democratized yacht ownership, fostering a deep connection between the builder and their boat. The 870, like many Waarschips of its era, featured water-resistant glued plywood construction with a clinkered hull shape, a method praised for its strength and distinctive appearance.

The design of the 870 by Willem Akkerman and Klaas Kremer specifically aimed to rectify the perceived disadvantage of its smaller predecessor, the 725, which had prioritized racing performance over living comfort. The 870, while still a competitive Half Tonner, offered a more sophisticated and cozy interior design, reflecting a move towards a better balance between racing prowess and onboard amenity. This dual focus allowed the 870 to appeal to both racing enthusiasts and those looking for a capable cruiser. During its production run, relatively few 870s were built, with numbers reportedly under 100.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Waarschip 870 is a masthead sloop with a fin keel, designed to offer strong sailing characteristics. With a total reported sail area of 323 square feet and a displacement of 6,614 pounds, its Sail Area to Displacement ratio calculates to approximately 14.62. This suggests a boat that is not overly aggressive in light airs but can certainly get up and go in moderate to strong winds, pointing towards a stable and manageable sailing experience.

The ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 38.3% (2,535 lbs ballast in 6,614 lbs displacement) indicates a moderate level of stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up well to a breeze without excessive heeling. Furthermore, its displacement-to-length ratio, around 266, places it in the moderate to somewhat heavy category for a performance-oriented boat of its size and era. This contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, making it suitable for coastal cruising and potentially more challenging offshore conditions. The hull speed is calculated at 6.33 knots. Owners often describe the Waarschip 870 as a fast and beautiful Half Tonner, noting its suitability for trips on the Wadden Sea and generally good sailing characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

While the detailed interior specifications are not explicitly provided in structured data, the Waarschip 870 was specifically designed to offer improved living comfort compared to its smaller Waarschip siblings. Owners and reviewers often describe the interior as having a "sophisticated cozy design." Generally, Waarschip interiors of this era would feature extensive use of wood, reflecting the builder's core construction material. Typical layouts for boats of this size from the period would include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can convert into berths, a galley area, and a navigation station. The 870 aimed for more interior space and comfort, likely including a lockable cabin in the front for privacy and a more thoughtfully arranged living area to enhance its cruising appeal. The superstructure is often made of mahogany.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Waarschip 870 frequently praise its robust construction, a hallmark of the Waarschip brand, noting that these boats are built to withstand challenging conditions. The ability to perform well in various conditions, combined with attractive aesthetics, is a common theme. The Waarschip community is active, with dedicated forums where owners discuss maintenance, share experiences, and seek advice, indicating a strong sense of pride and camaraderie among Waarschip enthusiasts. Common maintenance considerations, typical for wooden boats of this vintage, often revolve around the condition of the plywood hull and deck, and the necessity for thorough epoxy coatings to ensure longevity. Issues such as severely rusted keel bolts, though not specific to the 870, are a known concern across older yacht models that owners are advised to be vigilant about. Some owners have undertaken significant renovations, including new engines and updated interiors, to keep these classic yachts sailing beautifully.